The Medical Grade Difference
Is there really a difference between medical grade skincare and shop-bought products?
With an overwhelming number of skincare products available everywhere from online to the supermarket, it’s can be difficult to make sense of it all.
We all want to have clear, radiant, imperfection-free skin. We want to bring our best face forward, but we don’t want to break the bank to get there. But have you ever looked in your cabinet to estimate how much money you’ve wasted on the latest tik-tok products, only to acquire another disappointment that has taken up valuable bathroom space? So how can we learn where to make smarter skincare investments? And is there REALLY a difference between the many options that surround us?
The truth is, there is a difference. Keeping your skin clean, hydrated and protected is a good start. But, if you’re more like the vast majority and want to improve your complexion, then your skincare choices are critical and, in the long run, will save money & and space in your bathroom!
Is it all smoke and mirrors?
Medical grade is a term that is loosely used. However, it has a significant meaning when it comes to skincare.
Supermarkets & online retailers generally offer over the counter (OTC) products. They smell nice, they feel nice and are generally quite affordable.
Medical-grade skincare brands are different. The unique classification of medical-grade products is that they are clinician dispensed. This means that these products are sold by medical professionals in a clinical setting, or online via medical director who oversees product recommendations and patient journeys.
Guidance from your own personal skincare professional
It is imperative to speak to someone who knows skin in depth, someone who has dedicated their professional career to looking at all sorts of skin types and conditions, and has a proven track record of positive outcomes. You also want to know that this person can explain what is happening inside your skin and why. Here at Fresh Aesthetics & Skin, we have invested in that training, and have a proven track record of success. We don’t just sell medical-grade skincare however,. We have a wider portfolio when it comes to treating the skin effectively, which includes treatments like microneedling and injectables such as Botox, dermal fillers and Profhilo. We are solution providers, enhancing your results and help you maintain them long term.
We want to ensure that our patients are using medical-grade skincare products for home care to enhance clinic results. The 2 go hand in hand.
Active ingredients that pack a punch
A secondary component, which differentiates medical grade from OTC products, is the ingredients. This includes the purity, concentration, selective blend of actives as well as elements like pH. OTC products are designed to keep even the most sensitive skin types safe. They are designed for the masses. They contain lower concentrations and buffers to prevent potentially irritating the skin. Generally speaking, widely available medical-grade products with concentrated ingredients would not be suitable for all skin types, and can potentially cause irritation if not used properly. Medical-grade ingredients are powerful. They are potent, pure and efficacious with the highest concentrations of active ingredients. And this is done with a purpose: to treat very specific skin conditions or concerns, under strict professional direction.
Let’s take a closer look at these two types of products. OTC products are designed to feel good upon application and bring hydration to the skin but when it comes down to performance, they don’t tend to be very effective. Medical grade products however, include active ingredients like pure actives, acids, humectants, peptides and enzymes to name a few. Many active ingredients have structural benefits, or work strictly on or inside the skin, with the ability to penetrate deeply offering a multi-layer approach to treatment. They also include advanced technologies like encapsulation which maintains the integrity and purity of actives as they penetrate into skin. Medical-grade products are strong enough to correct problems embedded deeper in the skin and help with prevention as well.
Cost effective
When you consider cost, you may feel like medical-grade products can add up. However, the brilliance behind medical-grade is that you usually require less product to achieve your desired results. When considering the times you have tried to get rid of the imperfections in your skin, and how much each OTC “solution” costs, I can guarantee that the overall cost would be much greater than purchasing the medical-grade serum from the start. PLUS you get your own skincare coach who will dive much deeper into understanding your skin. So, in the long run, medical-grade products are also easier on your wallet.
What to consider when shopping for your skin
Medical-grade products will always offer stronger, active ingredients strategically formulated for your skin under the guidance of a professional who knows YOUR skin best.
Medical-grade products focus on correction and prevention. They are recommended by skin professionals and backed by science. No angel dusting or buffers.
In the long run, medical grade will save you money..
At our Fresh Aesthetics & Skin clinic in Portadown, we are happy to help you start your skin journey with medical grade skincare. Just book a consultation & we’ll do the rest!
